FAA to undergo largest reorganization in agency history

The reorganization includes creating several new divisions—many required by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024—including the Airspace Modernization Office to oversee the modernization of the national airspace system (NAS). That effort received an “unprecedented” $12.5 billion "down payment" last year and is strongly supported by AOPA and the rest of the Modern Skies Coalition, which is made up of more than 50 companies and organizations across the aviation industry.

“But funding is only one piece of the puzzle,” added Duffy. “With these critical organizational changes, the FAA can streamline the bureaucracy, encourage innovation, and deliver a new air traffic control system.”

The agency will also add a new safety oversight office, which “will implement a single safety management system (SMS) and risk management strategy for the entire FAA,” according to the announcement. “Now, instead of different safety metrics siloed in individual offices, the agency will be able to share safety data more freely.”

A third addition, the Office of Advanced Aviation Technologies, was also part of the latest FAA Reauthorization and will oversee the integration of drones, electric, and supersonic aircraft into the NAS.

Other changes include shifting key leadership posts to permanent positions and consolidating administrative functions under Bedford. The announcement said the reorganization “will not result in reductions in force.”

“It’s important that we have the right people in the right places to do the best work possible,” said Bedford. “These actions will put permanent leaders in place who embrace innovation, share safety data and insights freely and are focused on deploying a brand-new air traffic control system all while integrating key innovation technologies into the new National Airspace System.”